{Sew 20-Real Life Sewing} Tour
I am excited to be participating in Sew 20's very first blog tour because I just LOVE the concept. This months theme: Snapshots of your handmades being worn in everyday life! No staged photos here or special photoshoots...just raw and REAL photos. I weeded through thousands of pictures on my phone from over the last year, and it was so cool to see just how much we really do wear!
We were given a group of questions to answer, which turned out to be very thought-provoking, but in the best way possible!
1. What do you look for when choosing a sewing project?
When I decide to work on a sewing project, whether it be for personal reasons or for testing, I always make sure to take a really good look at the pattern. Is it something that I can see myself getting a lot of use out of? Do I like the style of the garment? Is it unique? Are there multiple options included in the pattern? How much fabric does it require? Do I have fabric on hand?
Those are just a few things that I always try to consider when choosing a project. I have learned that I have to be pretty selective most of the time. There was a time in the last year that I remember working on project after project after project...just for the simple fact of doing something. I never looked at whether it was something that my children or myself would even wear, or whether it was useful...It wasn't until the start of this year that I made a new year's resolution to more closely scrutinize my projects and make them intentional. Was it something that would help or hinder? I must say that it has been a sigh of relief for me, as it is pretty easy for me to get overwhelmed and consumed by my sewing. And now I have a wardrobe that I LOVE and WEAR...not one that just sits in my closet.
2. Is there anything you would like to (or wish you could) do differently when selecting projects?
At this current point in time, I would actually say no! Because I evaluated my intentions at the start of this year, I have a very good idea of what I look for now. I think that as long as what I am making is something that will definitely get good use out of, and time allows, I don't have an issue in starting a new project.
3. What is your most used/worn sewing project? This either could be of all time or currently.
I knew as soon as I read this question, I knew what the answer would be...and the photos prove it too, but my absolute most worn clothing item of all time are the Free Spirit Tanks from Patterns for Pirates that I made last year after release. It's so HOT here right now, and they really are just the perfect top for summer. They are nice and flowy and don't cling to make me even hotter.
4. Do you have a project that you thought would be used/worn frequently but just did not end up working out?
I would have to say the Quick Dress from Jocole is one that really didn't live up to my expectations. I thought that I could make and recreate a look with it, but the shape was just not for me. Part of that could be my lack of knowledge at that time of proper fabric choices and just fitting myself in general, but I just have not made an effort to sew another up. I used a quilting cotton which has no drape, so I feel like I am wearing a tent being that it is an a-line shape.
5. What is your favorite tip or quote that applies to sewing for real life?
Here is proof that we wear PLENTY of handmades around here...and this is only a small piece of what I found!!!
Do you have any examples of Real Life, Real Sewing to show off? You can play along by using the #realliferealsewing on social media. You can also win one of two $25 gift cards. More details at Sew 20. Be sure to visit the other participants on this tour!
6/21 | Daydream Believers | Sugarplum Cuties | Friends Stitched Together | The Inspired Wren | PenSeb&Rox
6/24 | Beri Bee Designs | Lulu & Celeste | FABulous Home Sewn | Mae & K | Sew 20 Social Media Round-up
6/25 | Sew 20 Tour Wrap-up
Love all of the candid, REAL photos!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all of your lovely creations! :)
ReplyDeleteI have been putting it off forever, but I'm pretty sure you just convinced me to try my first FST. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love all your planning! I try to plan but I easily fall victim to "Ohhh shiny and new!". This year I made it a resolution to be a bit better about that. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so not a planner. I pretend to be and then generally say "screw it" and just make what's fun for me, haha.
ReplyDeleteAnd girrrrrrrrrl. That FST with the lace?!?! So many heart eyes!
I'm not a planner at all, but I definitely have been trying to take into consideration "needs" and "actual use" when it comes to testing calls! It's so fun to sign up for everything because it looks cute, but when it comes down to it, it's not worth the work involved if it'll never get worn!
ReplyDeleteReally love that planning tip! I think I'm going to try and spend some time doing that too =)
ReplyDeleteI attempt to plan but I usually break them for random urges to sew something. I have gotten wayyyy better about picking fabric we will actually wear and picking patterns that will work well for us and that I'll actually want to sew. Less of hoarding things aspiration-ally :p
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow Texan I need to break out the FST! That lace one is amazing!